French Quarter
New Orleans' Most Famous Neighborhood. Also known as the Vieux Carré
Often called the Crown Jewel of New Orleans, the French Quarter is one of NOLA's most historic neighborhoods. But you'll find plenty of new mixed in with the old. There’s a reimagined French Market, modern boutiques and artisan cocktails mix with beloved antique stores and old restaurants. (Antoine’s. Arnaud’s. Galatoire’s. Brennan’s – the world would be far less flavorful without you!)
Like the Creole aristocrats lining the galleries of the Historic New Orleans Collection, the French Quarter is a timeless portrait – especially come dusk when swallows glide above the fortunetellers on Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral’s butter-crème-colored walls reflect the fiery sunset.
Ghost tours troop past mad Madame LaLaurie’s mansion while neon signs stutter to life on Bourbon Street where syrupy red Hurricanes, slosh in famed ‘go cups’– those plastic tumblers responsible for uncountable curbside parties. Night falls. Horse hooves clop, music throbs and gaslights flicker in a place full of long-told legends and those waiting to be born. Create one of your own.
Lower Decatur Street is OPEN for business despite street construction.
Use the sidewalks to access all the great restaurants, bars, shops on businesses on Lower Decatur Street; help support our neighborhood!
Quick Facts & Tips
Founded in 1718, the French Quarter (Vieux Carré) is New Orleans' oldest and most iconic neighborhood, spanning roughly 13 blocks along the Mississippi River and anchored by Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Café du Monde. It is walkable, packed with centuries-old architecture, live jazz, landmark restaurants like Antoine's and Galatoire's, and free attractions you can enjoy any day of the week.
- SIZE: Roughly 85 square blocks bounded by Canal Street, Esplanade Avenue, Rampart Street, and the Mississippi River.
- YEAR FOUNDED: 1718 by French Colonists; Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1965
- VIBE: Romantic, mysterious, iconic, and jazzy
- KNOWN FOR: Bohemian charm, Jackson Square history, Steamboat cruises, Bourbon Street fun, Old-world architecture, Century-old restaurants
- GETTING AROUND: Best explored on foot; Jackson Square to the French Market is about a 5-minute walk, and the entire Quarter can be crossed in roughly 20 minutes.
French Quarter Tours
Insider's Guide to the French Quarter
Top 11 Things to Do in the French Quarter
- 1 min read
Have you ever stepped into the enchanting embrace of New Orleans' oldest neighborhood, or perhaps…
Self-Guided French Quarter Food Tour
- 1 min read
French Quarter Cocktail Crawl
- 3 min read
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Explore Things to Do
Things to Do
With so much culture, history and entertainment, you’ll find a unique and exciting experience around every corner with choices from museums, tours, riverboat rides...
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Explore Eat
Eat
Nowhere else in New Orleans are there as many memorable dining establishments as there are in the French Quarter. From 19th century Creole cuisine to contemporary...
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Explore Drink
Drink
Famous for its bars and clubs, the French Quarter has a nightlife scene unlike any other.
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Explore French Quarter Shopping
French Quarter Shopping
Welcome to shopping in the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans and a designated National Historic Landmark. Whether you’re searching for jewelry...
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Explore Stay
Stay
Whether you prefer a quaint, tucked away inn or a hotel right in the middle of the bustling French Quarter, you’ll find the perfect accommodations in this...
Major Events
Streets of Interest
Upcoming Events
History
Founded by the French in 1718, the Quarter is New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood. Touched by centuries of influence from across the globe, the Vieux Carré tells ages-old stories of trade, pirates,...
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Architecture
From cast iron balconies and walled courtyards, to colorful Creole cottages and townhouses, the “Vieux Carré” is a unique collection of historic French, Spanish, Creole, and American...
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Transportation
Central to the city’s most popular attractions, the French Quarter is best travelled by foot, pedicab, or even horse and buggy. If you choose to drive downtown, public parking lots are available for a...
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What are the must-see historic sites in the French Quarter?
Start at Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral (both free to visit), then walk to the Cabildo and the Presbytère (Louisiana State Museum sites, admission around $9). The Historic New Orleans Collection on Royal Street offers free permanent exhibits. Don't miss the 1745 Ursuline Convent, the oldest surviving French Colonial structure in the Mississippi Valley, or the Pharmacy Museum for a glimpse into early medical history and practices in New Orleans.
What are some free activities within walking distance of Jackson Square?
Watch street musicians, painters, and tarot readers on Jackson Square itself (free, but always tip!). Walk through the open-air French Market (free entry) and browse the flea market stalls. Stroll Royal Street, especially on weekend afternoons when it closes to traffic and fills with live performers. Step inside St. Louis Cathedral and take in the riverfront views from the Moonwalk promenade and Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park along the Mississippi.
Are there any hidden gem restaurants near St. Louis Cathedral?
Sylvain on Chartres Street serves inventive Southern dishes in a converted carriage house just a block from the Cathedral. Cane & Table on Decatur Street offers Caribbean-influenced cocktails and small plates in a rustic, candlelit space. For a quick, affordable bite, Verti Marte on Royal Street is a beloved locals' deli known for its overstuffed po'boys and the "All That Jazz" sandwich, open late into the night.
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What are the best affordable lunch spots near the French Market?
Café du Monde serves beignets and café au lait for just a few dollars. Inside the French Market, several food stalls offer gumbo, jambalaya, and po'boys at reasonable prices. Nearby on Decatur Street, Coop's Place is a no-frills local favorite for Cajun dishes like rabbit and sausage jambalaya, typically under $15.